Human envenomations caused by Portuguese man-of-war (Physalia physalis) in urban beaches of São Luis City, Maranhão State, Northeast Coast of Brazil

Abstract

Conclusions:The envenomation events were predictable and based on patterns involving multiple factors (environmental and/ or human behavior); however, the initially applied measures did not match the current recommendations of the Health Ministry of Brazil.

Health-risk assessment of Portuguese man-of-war (Physalia physalis) envenomations on urban beaches in São Luís city, in the state of Maranhão, Brazil

“…Portuguese man-of-war agglomerations have been reported in São Luís during periods of drought and strong winds (trade winds) present in the second half of the year, as reported by Ferreira-Bastos et al 19 and Nunes and Mendonça 22 , which may explain most of the P. physalis agglomerations reported herein. In addition, Maranhão is located in the P. physalis distribution area range of the tropical zone 1 , 27 .…”

“…In 2013, Ferreira-Bastos et al . 19 reported that the first-aid measures applied by the lifeguard department did not correspond to the Brazilian Ministry of Health recommendations.…”

“…On the other hand, the greatest number of envenomations was also observed in January, the rainy season, which might be connected with the school holidays, and the increased number of people on the beaches, as reported previously by Ferreira-Bastos et al . 19 .…”

“…The clinical manifestations of cnidarian injuries are typical, with the appearance of linear plaques comprising edema and erythema and intense pain immediately after contact with the animals on beaches. Systemic phenomena are rare, although dyspnea, malaise, nausea, vomiting, headache, chills, drowsiness, arterial hypotension, and cardiac arrhythmias have been reported 2 , 5 , 11 , 14 - 19 . In one case, an anomalous reaction manifested by purpuric papules was also observed after the initial phase of envenoming 13 .…”

“…Portuguese man-of-war envenomations are common on the beaches of São Luís, in the state of Maranhão, Brazil, particularly during the second half of the year, when these organisms are frequently found. However, few actions have been carried out to alert the population about preventive measures and prompt care in case of accidental contact with these animals 19 , 22 . Since injured people search for the lifeguard department as the first location for first-aid measures, the Marine Fire Brigade ( Batalhão de Bombeiros Marinhos - BBMar) health team and fire brigade need to be notified of local envenomations.…”